Three individuals stand together in front of a branded backdrop at DAWN Canada’s 40th Anniversary celebration. One person stands at a podium, smiling, while the second person beside them holds a circular award plaque. The third person, wearing a sleeveless dress, smiles and gestures with enthusiasm. Behind them is a step-and-repeat banner featuring DAWN Canada’s “40 Years – Still Rising!” logo in English and French. The atmosphere is joyful and celebratory.

Larissa Proctor presents a Hummingbird Award to the Office for Disability Issues, accepted by Director General Lorraine Pelot, during DAWN Canada’s 40th Anniversary celebration.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, DAWN Canada presented special posthumous Hummingbird Awards to two public servants, Vera Wall and Joanne Linsey, whose strong commitment and behind-the-scenes efforts were instrumental in making the organization’s founding meeting possible. These awards were created specifically to honour their legacy as part of DAWN’s milestone year and to recognize their vital role in its history.

The awards were presented by Larissa Proctor to the Office for Disability Issues, accepted by Lorraine Pelot, Director General, and by The Honourable Carla Qualtrough to the Privy Council Office, accepted by Germaine Chazou-Essindi.

Three individuals are gathered at DAWN Canada’s 40th Anniversary celebration. One person stands on the left, smiling and facing the two others, who are positioned near a podium and holding a circular award plaque. Behind them is a screen displaying event details and a photo of a woman being honoured, along with a backdrop featuring DAWN Canada’s “40 Years – Still Rising!” logo in English and French. The moment appears warm and respectful.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough presents a Hummingbird Award to the Privy Council Office, accepted by Germaine Chazou-Essindi, during DAWN Canada’s 40th Anniversary celebration.

The Hummingbird Award, launched in 2020, recognizes individuals and institutions whose enduring commitment has advanced the rights and well-being of women, girls, and gender-diverse people with disabilities. This year’s recognition was especially meaningful as it highlighted the foundational contributions of those whose efforts made DAWN’s existence possible.

Past recipients of the Hummingbird Individual Award include Sandra Pronteau, Dr. Laverne Jacobs, Vicky Smallman, Lise Martin, The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Yazmine Laroche, and Maureen Haan. Three Institutional Hummingbird Awards have also been presented to organizations whose collective work continues to shape a more inclusive and just Canada.